Overshoes and methods for manufacturing overshoes

ABSTRACT

Overshoes and methods for manufacturing at least a portion of overshoes are provided. In some examples, provided is an overshoe including a sole and an upper having a water-shedding texture. A portion of a perimeter of the water-shedding texture can be located immediately adjacent to the sole. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the overshoe can be formed of at least semi-transparent plastic to enable a viewer to see footwear inside the overshoe. In some examples, the overshoe can have a gusset to enhance water-resistance of the overshoe. In another example, the overshoe can have a reflective portion to enhance visibility in low-light conditions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/549,416, titled “OVERSHOES AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OVERSHOES”,filed Aug. 23, 2017 and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/614,865,titled “CONSUMER PRODUCT”, filed Aug. 23, 2017, the disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Conventional overshoes do not enable displaying footwear located withinthe conventional overshoes, such as designer footwear, limited-editionsneakers, and high-fashion dress shoes, while simultaneously protectingthe footwear from environmental damage such as water damage. Further,outer surfaces of conventional overshoes retain water due to surfacetension, so when wearers of conventional overshoes walk in water, waterenters the conventional overshoes, which can lead to damaged footwearand uncomfortable wearers. Moreover, conventional overshoes havingexternal fastening devices to hold the conventional overshoes onto feetof wearers do not keep water from travelling past the external fasteningdevices and entering the overshoes. Additionally, conventional overshoesdo not provide visual safety features to enhance visibility of wearers.Thus there are long-felt needs, including unrecognized needs, formethods and apparatus improving upon conventional methods and apparatus.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes various overshoes and methods formanufacturing overshoes. This summary provides a basic understanding ofsome aspects of the present teachings. This summary is not exhaustive indetail, and is neither intended to identify all critical features, norintended to limit the scope of the claims.

In one embodiment, an overshoe can include a sole and an upper having afirst water-shedding texture. A portion of a perimeter of the firstwater-shedding texture can be located immediately adjacent to the sole.In some examples, at least a portion of the overshoe can be formed of atleast semi-transparent plastic. At least a portion of the overshoe canhave a transparency of at least 30%.

In some examples, the first water-shedding texture can include across-hatch pattern.

In some embodiments, the overshoe can include a second water-sheddingtexture including a series of raised, substantially-parallel, anddiagonal lands. A portion of a perimeter of the second water-sheddingtexture can be located immediately adjacent to a second portion of thefirst water-shedding texture. A portion of the first water-sheddingtexture can be located between at least a portion of the sole and atleast a portion of the second water-shedding texture.

In some embodiments, the overshoe can further include a gusset. Theovershoe can further include a closure device fastened between thegusset and the upper. The gusset can be sealed to the closure device.The closure device can be sealed to the upper. In some examples, thegusset can have a scooped portion. In some embodiments, the gusset canbe substantially triangular in shape.

In some embodiments, the overshoe can further include a reflectivematerial applied to at least a portion of the upper. At least a portionof the upper can be colored and the at least the portion of the uppercan include a contrasting portion.

In an example, provided is a method for fabricating at least a portionof an overshoe. The method can include forming a water-shedding textureon at least a portion of a panel of the overshoe and fastening the panelto a sole such that a portion of the water-shedding texture is adjacentto the sole. The panel can be formed of at least semi-transparentplastic. The water-shedding texture can include a cross-hatch pattern.In an example, the method can include fastening the panel to a gusset.In some embodiments, the method can include applying a reflectivematerial to at least a portion of the panel.

In an example, provided is a non-transitory computer-readable mediumincluding computer-executable instructions stored thereon that areconfigured to cause at least one fabricating device to form awater-shedding texture on at least a portion of a panel of the overshoeand fasten the panel to a sole such that a portion of the water-sheddingtexture is adjacent to the sole. In an example, the panel is formed ofat least semi-transparent plastic. In an embodiment, the water-sheddingtexture can include a cross-hatch pattern. The computer-executableinstructions can be configured to cause the at least one fabricatingdevice to fasten the panel to a gusset. The computer-executableinstructions can be configured to cause the at least one fabricatingdevice to apply a reflective material to at least a portion of thepanel.

The foregoing broadly outlines some of the features and technicaladvantages of the present teachings so the detailed description anddrawings can be better understood. Additional features and advantagesare also described in the detailed description. The conception anddisclosed examples can be used as a basis for modifying or designingother devices for carrying out the same purposes of the presentteachings. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from thetechnology of the teachings as set forth in the claims. The inventivefeatures characteristic of the teachings, together with furtheradvantages, are better understood from the detailed description and theaccompanying drawings. Each of the drawings is provided for the purposeof illustration and description only, and does not limit the presentteachings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are presented to describe examples of thepresent teachings, and are not limiting.

FIGS. 1A-1D depict example water-shedding features of example overshoes.

FIG. 2 depicts example water-shedding features of example overshoes.

FIG. 3 depicts example water-shedding features of example overshoes.

FIGS. 4A-4C depict example gussets of example overshoes.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict example transparency features of example overshoes.

FIG. 6 depicts example reflective features of example overshoes.

FIG. 7 depicts an example method for manufacturing overshoes.

In accordance with common practice, the features depicted by thedrawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of thedepicted features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Inaccordance with common practice, some of the drawings are simplified forclarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all components of aparticular apparatus or method. Further, like reference numerals denotelike features throughout the specification and figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is generally directed toward overshoes andmethods for manufacturing at least a portion of overshoes. In examples,an overshoe can be footwear configured to be worn by a wearer (i.e., auser) over at least a portion of a second piece of footwear. Innon-limiting examples, the second piece of footwear can be designerfootwear, limited-edition sneakers, or high-fashion dress shoes. Thus,overshoes can protect the second piece of footwear, can protect a wearerof the overshoe from discomfort associated with having wet socks andshoes, or both.

In an example, provided is an overshoe configured to shed water, thatotherwise would be retained due to surface tension, from an outersurface of the overshoe. In an embodiment, provided is a process formanufacturing overshoes having outer surfaces that are configured toshed water. In another example, provided is an overshoe having a gussetto keep water that has travelled past an external fastening device fromentering the overshoe. In a further example, provided is an overshoehaving a transparent upper to enable displaying footwear located insidethe overshoe. In an additional example, provided is an overshoe havingat least a portion of an exterior surface that is reflective to enhancevisibility and safety of a wearer of the overshoe.

In an example, the provided overshoes can be reused. However, there isno requirement that the provided overshoes be used multiple times. Inother words, in examples, the provided overshoes are not configured tobe one-time use and can be discarded after any number of uses.

The examples disclosed hereby advantageously and beneficially addressthe long-felt industry needs, as well as other previously unidentifiedneeds, and mitigate shortcomings of the conventional methods and theconventional apparatus. Among other advantages, advantages provided bythe examples include improvements, over conventional devices, inwater-shedding capability of overshoes, in processes for manufacturingovershoes having water-shedding capability, and in waterproofing ofovershoes. The examples also provide improvements over conventionaldevices by enabling a viewer to see footwear inside overshoes and bytransmitting light reflected from the footwear inside overshoes. Theexamples also provide improvements over conventional devices byimproving visibility of overshoes and improving safety of overshoewearers.

Examples are disclosed in this application's text and drawings.Alternate examples can be devised without departing from the scope ofthe disclosure. Additionally, conventional elements of the currentteachings may not be described in detail, or may be omitted, to avoidobscuring aspects of the current teachings.

FIGS. 1A-1D, 2, and 3 depict example water-shedding features of exampleovershoes.

With conventional overshoes, water travelling down an upper meets solingand builds-up around the sole and lower portion of an overshoe upper.Thus, the lower portion of the upper and the sole retain water. Further,with conventional overshoes, water can build-up around the sole andlower portion of the overshoe upper, which increases a probability thatwater will enter an opening in the overshoe. This can result in footwearlocated within the overshoe becoming wet.

FIGS. 1A-D respectively depict left, right, front oblique, and rearviews of an overshoe 100 having an upper 102 and a water-sheddingportion 104.

When a wearer walks, thus moving the overshoe 100, a shape ofwater-shedding portion 104, such as a cross-hatched shape, can createturbulence in water on the water-shedding portion 104, which evacuatesthe water off of the water-shedding portion 104. In some examples, theshape of water-shedding portion 104, such as a cross-hatched shape, cancause water adhering to water-shedding portion 104 to conglomerate intowater beads. When a wearer walks, thus moving the overshoe 100, thewater beads are flung off of water-shedding portion 104, which evacuatesthe water off of the overshoe 100.

In some examples, water-shedding portion 104 can be configured ashydrodynamic embossing. Hydrodynamic embossing can move incident waterfrom the upper 102 to water-shedding portion 104 and then offwater-shedding portion 104.

FIG. 1D depicts a sole 106 of the overshoe 100. The water-sheddingportion 104 can be positioned adjacent (e.g., immediately adjacent) tothe sole, in order to shed water that otherwise might interfere withtraction provided by the sole 106.

FIG. 2 depicts details of a side view of an overshoe 200 having an upper202, a water-shedding portion 204 and a sole 206. In some examples, thewater-shedding portion 204 can be a cross-hatched surface texture of thelower portion of the upper 202. The water-shedding portion 204 caninclude a cross-hatched pattern, which can include a first series ofsubstantially linear, substantially evenly-spaced, and substantiallyparallel raised portions. The cross-hatched pattern of thewater-shedding portion 204 can also include a second series ofsubstantially linear, substantially evenly-spaced, and substantiallyparallel raised portions, where the first series of raised portions andthe second series of raised portions intersect and are oriented at arelative angle. The relative angle is greater than zero and can beninety-degrees or less. In some embodiments, the relative angle issubstantially ninety-degrees.

In some embodiments, parallel raised portions of the first series arecontinuous through more than one intersection with the parallel raisedportions of the second series. In some embodiments, parallel raisedportions of the second series are continuous through more than oneintersection with the parallel raised portions of the first series.

In some embodiments, parallel raised portions of the first series arediscontinuous through more than one intersection with the parallelraised portions of the second series. In some embodiments, parallelraised portions of the second series are discontinuous through more thanone intersection with the parallel raised portions of the first series.

In some embodiments, the water-shedding portion 204 can havebasket-weave pattern.

In an example, the water-shedding portion 204 can be extend around theovershoe 200 so as to form a closed (i.e., complete) band. In anexample, the water-shedding portion 204 can be extend around only aportion of the overshoe 200 so as to form an incomplete band.

In some embodiments, the water-shedding portion 204 can be positionedadjacent (e.g., immediately adjacent) to the sole 206, in order to shedwater that otherwise might interfere with traction provided by the sole206. The sole 206 can be fastened and/or sealed to the water-sheddingportion 204 in a manner that prevents water from entering the overshoe200.

FIG. 3 depicts overshoe 300. The overshoe 300 can include an upper 302,an upper water-shedding portion 304, a lower water-shedding portion 306,and a sole 308.

In some examples, the upper water-shedding portion 304 can be a surfacetexture that can include a series of raised lands that can besubstantially parallel. The diagonal lands can define grooves (i.e.,channels) between the diagonal lands. The lands can be diagonal relativeto the sole 308. The lands can be raised relative to the upper 302.

In some examples, the lower water-shedding portion 306 can be a raisedsurface texture that can shed water, such as a raised cross-hatchedpattern.

In some examples, a top of a diagonal land (and grooves defined thereby)of the upper water-shedding portion 304 can be higher toward the front(i.e., the toe) of the overshoe 300 and a bottom of the diagonal land(and grooves defined thereby) can be lower toward the rear (i.e., theheel) of the overshoe 300, where the overshoe sole 308 is a bottom ofthe overshoe 300.

In an example, the lower portion of a diagonal land can be substantiallyco-located (i.e., meet) with a junction point (i.e., an intersection) ofthe cross-hatched pattern of the lower water-shedding portion 306. In anexample, the lower portion of a groove defined by the diagonal lands canbe substantially co-located (i.e., meet) with a junction point (i.e., anintersection) of the basket-weave pattern. These colocations can guidewater from the upper water-shedding portion 304 to the lowerwater-shedding portion 306.

In an example, the upper water-shedding portion 304 can be extend aroundthe overshoe 300 so as to form a closed (i.e., complete) band. In anexample, the upper water-shedding portion 304 can be extend around onlya portion of the overshoe 300 so as to form an incomplete band. In anexample, left and right sides of the overshoe 300 have, in the upperwater-shedding portion 304, substantially parallel diagonal channelswhich can be a mirror image of each other.

In some examples, during use, as a user of the overshoe 300 walks (i.e.,forward), the action of the user's foot sheds water from the overshoe300. The action of the user's foot moves the upper water-sheddingportion 304 in a manner which moves the water forward and to away fromthe sides of the overshoe 300. The upper water-shedding portion 304 canalso channel the water to the lower water-shedding portion 306. Thelower water-shedding portion 306 can create turbulence in the water,which evacuates the water off of the overshoe 300.

FIGS. 4A-4B depict example front views of an overshoe 400. FIG. 4Adepicts example features of the overshoe 400 including an upper 402, agusset 404, a closure device 406, a water-resisting strip 408, adrawstring 410, and a drawstring catch 412. FIG. 4B further depictsexample features of the overshoe 400 including the upper 402, the gusset404, the closure device 406, the drawstring 410, the drawstring catch412, and a raised lip 414 of the gusset 404.

FIG. 4C depicts an example interior side view of the overshoe 400,including the upper 402, the gusset 404, the closure device 406, adrawstring channel 416 and a portion 418 of the upper 402 that isfastened to the upper 402 to form the drawstring channel 416.

In an example, the overshoe 400 can include the gusset 404 to preventwater intrusion by water located behind the closure device 406. Inexamples, the closure device 406 can be a zipper or a similar fastener.The gusset 404 can be shaped in a manner configured to prevent waterintrusion by water located behind the closure device 406 (e.g., by waterlocated between the closure device 406 and an overshoe user). In anexample, the gusset 404 can be substantially triangle-shaped. In anembodiment, the gusset 404 can have an upward scoop shape, such asraised lip 414, that can be similar to a shape of a tongue of a shoe.The upward scoop portion of the gusset 404 can further prevent waterintrusion by water located behind the closure device 406. The gusset 404can also increase water resistance of the overshoe when the closuredevice 406 is not completely closed (e.g., the closure device 406 suchas a zipper is not completely closed).

The gusset 404 can be sealed (e.g., by gluing, heat sealing, or thelike) to the overshoe upper and/or the closure device 406 in a mannerconfigured to prevent water intrusion behind the closure device 406.Referring to FIG. 4C, in an example, upper outboard portions of thegusset 404 can be sealed to the top of the closure device 406. In anexample, upper outboard portions of the gusset 404 can be sealed to thedrawstring channel 416. In an example, the gusset 404 can bedouble-sealed to an inboard forward portion of the closure device 406.The double sealing can include folding the forward portion of the gusset404 back on itself prior to fastening and sealing the gusset 404 to theclosure device 406 (e.g., by heat-sealing). In an example, the gusset404 can be sealed to the inboard left and right portions of the closuredevice 406. In some examples, the water-resisting strip 408 can besealed between the upper and the closure device 406 to channel water andprovide protective sealing. Further, an intermediate water-resistingstrip can be fastened and sealed between the gusset 404 and the closuredevice 406 to channel water and provide protective sealing. In anexample, the upper 402 can overlap at least a portion of the closuredevice 406 to provide further water-resistance and protective sealing ofthe overshoe.

In some examples, during manufacturing, the closure device 406 can besewn to left and right portions of the upper 402. The gusset 404 can befastened and sealed (e.g., by heat-sealing, gluing, or the like) to theinboard side of the closure device 406, the inboard side of the upper402, or both.

At least a portion of the gusset 404 can be manufactured of a materialthat is at least semi-transparent, such as poly-vinyl chloride (PVC),transparent thermoplastic, a rubber compound, or vinyl.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict example transparency features of an example overshoe500. Conventional overshoes do not enable displaying footwear locatedtherein, for example, due to an opacity level. Thus, aesthetics of thefootwear located in conventional overshoes are covered by conventionalovershoes, so as to not be viewable due to the presence of theconventional overshoes.

The overshoe 500 can be configured to enable viewing at least a portionof footwear located inside the overshoe 500. In an example, at least aportion 502 of the overshoe 500 can be configured to transmit light(e.g., light reflected from footwear located inside the overshoe 500).At least a portion of the overshoe 500 can be configured to transmitlight with optical clarity such that footwear located within theovershoe can be clearly viewed (e.g., with finer visual detail thanconventional overshoes).

In some examples, at least a portion of an overshoe tongue, at least aportion of an overshoe gusset, at least a portion of an overshoe upper,at least a portion of an overshoe sole, at least a portion of anovershoe drawcord channel, at least a portion of an overshoe drawstringchannel, or at least a portion of an overshoe zipper protector can be atleast semi-transparent.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of an overshoe tongue, at leasta portion of an overshoe gusset, at least a portion of an overshoeupper, at least a portion of an overshoe sole, at least a portion of anovershoe drawcord channel, at least a portion of an overshoe drawstringchannel, or at least a portion of an overshoe zipper protector can beconfigured to transmit light therethrough. In an example, at least aportion of the overshoe upper is at least semi-transparent, while atleast a portion of the overshoe sole is substantially opaque.

In an example, at least a portion of the overshoe 500 can have atransparency of at least substantially 30%. In an example, at least aportion of the provided overshoe can have a light transmissionpercentage of substantially 80% or greater, as measured using ASTMD-1003 (Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance ofTransparent Plastics).

At least a portion of the overshoe 500 can be manufactured of a materialthat is at least semi-transparent, such as poly-vinyl chloride (PVC),transparent thermoplastic, a rubber compound, or vinyl.

FIG. 6 depicts an example overshoe 600 having an upper 602, a reflectiveportion 604, and a contrasting portion 606. Conventional overshoes aredark black or another dark color that does not reflect incident light.Thus, conventional overshoes are not easily visible at night and inlow-light conditions, which can provide unsafe conditions for a wearer.

In an example, at least a portion of the overshoe 600 can include thereflective portion 604. In some examples, the portion of the overshoe600 including the reflective portion can be the upper 602, a sole,and/or the like. The reflective portion 604 can reflect incident lightto enhance visibility of the overshoe 600. Reflecting incident lightfrom the overshoe 600 can advantageously increase safety of a wearer ofthe overshoe 600, particularly in low-light conditions such as at night.

The reflective portion 604 can have a high-visibility color, such asinternational orange, white, red, yellow, silver, gold, anotherhigh-visibility color, or a combination thereof. The reflective portion604 can have eye-catching shapes, such as and not limited to a chevron,a stripe, a circle, a rectangle, a square, a triangle, an irregularpatch, or a combination thereof. In an example, the reflective portion604 can include 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective material or the like.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the overshoe 600, such as theupper 602 and/or a panel of the upper 602, can have at least one color(e.g., international orange, orange, yellow, pink, red, a fluorescentcolor, and/or the like). In some examples, the colored portion of theovershoe 600 can be molded-in-color (e.g., colored plastic). In someembodiments, the overshoe 600 can include the contrasting portion 606 toprovide eye-catching contrast. The contrasting portion 606 can contrastin color and/or reflectivity with the colored portion of the overshoe600. In some examples, the contrasting portion 606 can be black or whitein color. In some examples, the contrasting portion 606 can be areflective material.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting an example method for manufacturingan overshoe 700.

As depicted in FIG. 7, at step 702, a water-shedding texture is formedon at least a portion of a panel of an overshoe.

In some examples, the panel can be formed of at least semi-transparentplastic. In some embodiments, the panel can be formed of transparentplastic. In some embodiments, the panel can be formed with some portionshaving transparent plastic and other portions having opaque plastic. Insome embodiments, the panel can be formed of opaque plastic.

In some embodiments, the water-shedding texture can be formed byembossing, stamping, partially melting, and/or injection molding thepanel. In some embodiments, the water-shedding texture can be awater-shedding texture described hereby, such as a cross-hatchwater-shedding texture.

In some examples, the panel can be formed by cutting, stamping,partially melting, and/or injection molding a sheet of plastic. In someexamples, one or more of the devices described herein can form a sheetof at least semi-transparent plastic into the panel of the overshoe. Insome examples, the panel can be simultaneously formed while forming thewater-shedding texture.

At least a portion of the overshoe, such as the panel and/or the gusset,can be manufactured of a material that is at least semi-transparent,such as PVC, transparent thermoplastic, a rubber compound, or vinyl.

As depicted in FIG. 7, at step 704, the panel can be fastened to agusset. In some examples, step 704 is optional.

In some examples, the fastening can be performed by melting a portion ofthe panel to a portion of the gusset and/or gluing the portion of thepanel to the portion of the gusset. The fastening can mechanicallyfasten the portion of the panel to the portion of the gusset. In someembodiments, the fastening can provide a water-resistant connectionbetween at least a portion of the panel and at least a portion of thegusset. In some embodiments, the fastening can provide a water-tightseal between at least a portion of the panel and at least a portion ofthe gusset.

As depicted in FIG. 7, at step 706, the panel is fastened to a sole suchthat a portion of the water-shedding texture is adjacent to the sole. Insome embodiments, after fastening, the portion of the water-sheddingtexture is immediately adjacent to the sole. In some embodiments, afterfastening, a portion of a perimeter of the water-shedding texture isimmediately adjacent to the sole. In some examples, a portion of thewater-shedding texture is melted to a portion of the sole.

In some examples, the fastening can be performed by melting a portion ofthe panel to a portion of the sole and/or gluing the portion of the soleto the portion of the sole. The fastening can mechanically fasten theportion of the sole to the portion of the sole. In some embodiments, thefastening can provide a water-tight seal between at least a portion ofthe panel and at least a portion of the sole. In some embodiments, thefastening can provide a water-tight seal between all portions of aperimeter of the panel that directly contact and/or are immediatelyadjacent to the sole.

As depicted in FIG. 7, at step 708, a reflective material can be appliedto at least a portion of the panel. In some examples, step 708 isoptional.

In some examples, the applying can be performed by depositing and/orfastening the reflective material to the panel. In some examples, thefastening can be performed by melting the reflective material to thepanel and/or gluing the reflective material to the panel.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the panel can have at leastone color (e.g., international orange, orange, yellow, pink, red, afluorescent color, and/or the like). In some examples, the panel can bemolded-in-color. In some examples, the panel can be colored by applyinga paint, a dye, and/or a label to at least a portion of the panel.

In some embodiments, a contrasting material can be applied to the panel.The contrasting material can contrast in color and/or reflectivity withthe panel. In some examples, the contrasting material can be black orwhite in color. In some examples, the contrasting material can be areflective material.

In some optional embodiments, the panel can be fastened to another panelof the overshoe. The fastening can be performed by melting the panelsand/or gluing the panels. The fastening can mechanically fasten thepanels. In some embodiments, the fastening can provide a water-resistantconnection between portions of the panels. In some embodiments, thefastening can provide a water-tight seal between portions of the panels.

In some examples, embossing can be formed in a hot-stamped (i.e., ahot-forged) manner using an embossing plate. In some examples, theembossing can be formed simultaneously with merging (e.g., sealing) anupper to a sole. In some examples, portions of the upper (e.g., panels)can be joined together (e.g., seams can be heat sealed) prior to theembossing.

In some examples, at least a part of the methods described hereby can beperformed by executing suitable computer-executable code with acomputing device coupled to control at least one fabricating deviceconfigured to perform at least the part of the method. In some examples,executing the suitable computer-executable code with the computingdevice can initiate performing at least the part of the method. In someembodiments, fabricating machines can include computer-controlleddevices configured to automatically perform at least a part of a methodfor manufacturing an overshoe by forming, fastening, cutting, stamping,melting, molding, embossing, gluing, painting, dying, and/or depositingmaterial.

In some examples, at least a part of the method can be performed bymanually controlling at least one fabricating device configured toperform at least a part of the method. In some examples, fabricatingmachines can include manual devices that are configured to perform atleast a part of a method for manufacturing an overshoe by forming,fastening, cutting, stamping, melting, molding, embossing, gluing,painting, dying, and/or depositing material.

The foregoing blocks are not limiting of the examples. The blocks can becombined and/or the order can be rearranged, as practicable.

The conception and disclosed examples can be used as a basis formodifying or designing other devices for carrying out the same purposesof the present teachings. Such equivalent constructions do not departfrom the technology of the teachings as set forth in the claims. Theinventive features characteristic of the teachings, together withfurther objects and advantages, are better understood from the detaileddescription and the accompanying drawings. Each of the drawings isprovided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and doesnot limit the present teachings.

As used hereby, the term “example” means “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any example described as an “example” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherexamples. Likewise, the term “examples” does not require all examplesinclude the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation. Use ofthe terms “in one example,” “an example,” “in one feature,” and/or “afeature” in this specification does not necessarily refer to the samefeature and/or example. Furthermore, a particular feature and/orstructure can be combined with one or more other features and/orstructures. Moreover, at least a portion of the apparatus describedhereby can be configured to perform at least a portion of a methoddescribed hereby.

A reference using a designation such as “first,” “second,” and so forthdoes not limit either the quantity or the order of those elements.Rather, these designations are used as a convenient method ofdistinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element.Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean only twoelements can be employed, or the first element must necessarily precedethe second element. Also, unless stated otherwise, a set of elements cancomprise one or more elements. In addition, terminology of the form “atleast one of: A, B, or C” or “one or more of A, B, or C” or “at leastone of the group consisting of A, B, and C” used in the description orthe claims can be interpreted as “A or B or C or any combination ofthese elements.” For example, this terminology can include A, or B, orC, or A and B, or A and C, or A and B and C, or 2A, or 2B, or 2C, and soon.

The terminology used hereby is for the purpose of describing particularexamples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used hereby, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well,unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In other words, thesingular portends the plural, where practicable. Further, the terms“comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including,” specify apresence of a feature, an integer, a step, a block, an operation, anelement, a component, and the like, but do not necessarily preclude apresence or an addition of another feature, integer, step, block,operation, element, component, and the like.

At least a portion of the fabrication methods disclosed hereby can beembodied directly in hardware, in computer-executable instructions(e.g., software) executed by a processor (e.g., a processor describedhereby), or in a combination of the two. In an example, a processor caninclude multiple discrete hardware components. Computer-executableinstructions can reside in a tangible computer-readable storage mediumdevice (e.g., a memory device), such as a random-access memory (RAM), aflash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (EEPROM), a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, acompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and/or any other form oftangible storage medium. An example storage medium (e.g., a memorydevice) can be coupled to the processor so the processor can readinformation from, and/or write information to, the storage medium. In anexample, the storage medium can be integral with the processor.

Further, examples provided hereby are described in terms of sequences ofactions to be performed by, for example, one or more elements of acomputing device configured to control a fabricating device (e.g., a 3-Dprinter, a heat-sealing device, an embossing device, an injectionmolding device, a pattern cutter, a stamping machine, a plastic sheetcutting machine, and/or the like). The actions described hereby can beperformed and/or initiated by a specific circuit (e.g., an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC)), by program instructions beingexecuted by one or more processors, or by a combination of both.Additionally, a sequence of actions described hereby can be entirelywithin any form of non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumhaving stored thereby a corresponding set of computer instructionswhich, upon execution, cause an associated processor (such as aspecial-purpose processor) to perform at least a portion of a functiondescribed hereby. Additionally, a sequence of actions described herebycan be entirely within any form of non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium having stored thereby a corresponding set of computerinstructions which, upon execution, configure the processor to createspecific logic circuits. Thus, examples may be in a number of differentforms, all of which have been contemplated to be within the scope of thedisclosure. In addition, for each of the examples described hereby, acorresponding electrical circuit of any such examples may be describedhereby as, for example, “logic configured to” perform a describedaction.

In an example, when a general-purpose computer (e.g., a processor) isconfigured to initiate performing at least a portion of a fabricationmethod described hereby, then the general-purpose computer becomes aspecial-purpose computer which is not generic and is not ageneral-purpose computer. In an example, loading a general-purposecomputer with special programming can cause the general-purpose computerto be configured to initiate performing at least a portion of a methoddescribed hereby. In an example, a combination of two or more relatedmethod steps disclosed hereby forms a sufficient algorithm. In anexample, a sufficient algorithm constitutes special programming. In anexample, special programming constitutes any software which can cause acomputer (e.g., a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer,etc.) to be configured to initiate performing one or more functions,features, steps algorithms, blocks, or a combination thereof, asdisclosed hereby.

At least one example provided hereby can include a non-transitory (i.e.,a non-transient) machine-readable media and/or a non-transitory (i.e., anon-transient) computer-readable media storing processor-executableinstructions configured to cause a processor (e.g., a special-purposeprocessor) to transform the processor and any other cooperating devicesinto a machine (e.g., a special-purpose processor) configured to performat least a part of a function described hereby, at least a part of amethod described hereby, the like, or a combination thereof. Performingat least a part of a function described hereby can include initiating atleast a part of a function described hereby, at least a part of a methoddescribed hereby, the like, or a combination thereof. In an example,executing the stored instructions can transform a processor and anyother cooperating devices into at least a part of an apparatus describedhereby. A non-transitory (i.e., a non-transient) machine-readable mediaspecifically excludes a transitory propagating signal. Further, one ormore embodiments can include a computer-readable medium embodying atleast a part of a function described hereby, at least a part of a methoddescribed hereby, the like, or a combination thereof.

Nothing stated or depicted in this application is intended to dedicateany component, step, block, feature, object, benefit, advantage, orequivalent to the public, regardless of whether the component, step,block, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or the equivalent is recitedin the claims. While this disclosure describes examples, changes andmodifications can be made to the examples disclosed hereby withoutdeparting from the scope defined by the appended claims. The presentdisclosure is not intended to be limited to the specifically disclosedexamples alone.

1. An overshoe, comprising: a sole; and an upper having a water-sheddingtexture, wherein a portion of a perimeter of the water-shedding textureis located immediately adjacent to the sole.
 2. The overshoe of claim 1,wherein at least a portion of the overshoe is formed of at leastsemi-transparent plastic.
 3. The overshoe of claim 1, wherein at least aportion of the overshoe has a transparency of at least 30%.
 4. Theovershoe of claim 1, wherein the water-shedding texture includes across-hatch pattern.
 5. The overshoe of claim 1, further comprising asecond water-shedding texture comprising a series of raised,substantially-parallel, and diagonal lands, wherein: a portion of aperimeter of the second water-shedding texture is located immediatelyadjacent to a portion of the first water-shedding texture; and a part ofthe first water-shedding texture is located between at least a portionof the sole and at least a portion of the second water-shedding texture.6. The overshoe of claim 1, wherein the overshoe further comprises agusset.
 7. The overshoe of claim 6, further comprising a closure devicefastened between the gusset and the upper, wherein: the gusset is sealedto the closure device; and the closure device is sealed to the upper. 8.The overshoe of claim 6, wherein at least one of: the gusset has ascooped portion; or the gusset is substantially triangular in shape. 9.The overshoe of claim 1, wherein the overshoe further comprises areflective material applied to at least a portion of the upper.
 10. Theovershoe of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the upper is coloredand the at least the portion of the upper includes a contrastingportion.
 11. A method for fabricating at least a portion of an overshoe,comprising: forming a water-shedding texture on at least a portion of apanel of the overshoe; and fastening the panel to a sole such that aportion of the water-shedding texture is adjacent to the sole.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the panel is formed of at leastsemi-transparent plastic.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein thewater-shedding texture includes a cross-hatch pattern.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising fastening the panel to a gusset.
 15. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising applying a reflective material toat least a portion of the panel.
 16. A non-transitory computer-readablemedium, comprising computer-executable instructions stored thereon thatare configured to cause at least one fabricating device to: form awater-shedding texture on at least a portion of a panel of the overshoe;and fasten the panel to a sole such that a portion of the water-sheddingtexture is adjacent to the sole.
 17. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the panel is formed of atleast semi-transparent plastic.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 16, wherein the water-shedding texture includes across-hatch pattern.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 16, further comprising computer-executable instructions storedthereon that are configured to cause the at least one fabricating deviceto fasten the panel to a gusset.
 20. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 16, further comprisingcomputer-executable instructions stored thereon that are configured tocause the at least one fabricating device to apply a reflective materialto at least a portion of the panel.